Cherry Blossom Watch Update: April 6, 2015

UPDATE: The National Park Service announced this afternoon that its arborists judged that 70 percent of the cherry trees have reached "peduncle elongation" phase, going in near-record time from the "florets visible" on April 1 to "extension of florets" on April 4 to "peduncle elongation" on April 6. It's an unusually quick progression, with the only time in the past decade or so when it went even more quickly being in 2006. The historical average suggests about 6-10 days from "peduncle elongation" to peak bloom, although the recent pace suggests it probably won't be on the long end of that window.

There's been quite a lot of progress since the last update, and things are humming along nicely now. While most of the trees are not yet blooming, you can find some scattered blossoms if you go looking for them. The indicator tree is blooming with its white flowers. Over the next days more and more flowers will be coming out.

The Ohio Drive traffic restrictions are now in force, so there's one way traffic along West Potomac Park and the entrance near the Lincoln Memorial is blocked off (you can still exit there). And there are a lot more people around now, so finding parking spots is getting more competitive.

Spring weather doesn't get much better than this today. Lots of sunshine, very pleasant temperatures, and only a hint of breeze (for now, but picking up later). The forecast for the rest of the week is more of a mixed bag.

Indicator Tree

The so-called indicator tree, which typically blooms a week to ten days ahead of most of the other trees, is now blooming with white flowers. If you're looking for it in person, here's how to find it.

Tulip Magnolias

Forecasts & Schedule

The NPS arborists judged that 70 percent of the cherry blossoms reached their “florets visible” stage on April 1. The historical average suggests that that occurs about 16-21 days before peak bloom. In 2014, it happened on March 23 and ended up being 18 days before a peak bloom of April 10. In 2013, it came on March 17 and ended up being 23 days before a peak bloom on April 9. Based on the progress of the past few days, though, we might well see a much lower-than-average time this year between florets visible and peak bloom.

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If you’d like to help support the National Mall area, one option is to contribute to the Trust for The National Mall, an official non-profit partner of the National Park Service. The Trust is dedicated to marshaling private support for maintaining and improving the history National Mall. You can find more information on their website. I’m not affiliated in any way with the Trust–just an admirer of their mission and work.

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